treatment
ACHES
When a client has specific aches, I use a very gentle approach to the area and may incorporate ice, arnica, heat, gentle massage, and deep breathing. My goals are to improve circulation, relieve pain, decrease inflammation, and relax the nervous system. As a lifelong athlete, I understand how to relieve the aches of strenuous physical activity, which become more pronounced as the body ages. I listen to the client and pay close attention to any changes that may occur during and after the treatment to ensure that the more effective methods are incorporated, and I take notes for use in follow-up sessions
POST SURGERY
After a client has surgery, I tailor the massage to the type of surgery and often incorporate a mix of massage styles. For example, I have worked with clients after hip replacement surgery, neck surgery, and back surgery. Recognizing that the body is an interconnected system, I work the whole body with special care for the recovering part(s), while foucussing on reducing and relieving pain, improving circulation and mobility, and relaxing the nervous system. I may also employ ice, heat, and arnica balm.
ACCIDENTS
Clients sometimes visit me after being in a car accident or having a slip and fall. I focus on helping the client recover from the trauma of the accident by using a gentle massage technique to reset the nervous system, improve the circulation, and increase mobility.
OTHER CASES
My approach to massage depends on the clients’ specific needs and desires. I recognize that having good communication is essential so I make every effort to ensure the client is at ease and comfortable. I encourage input and feedback to ensure the best massage experience. In all cases, I aim to find the best approach to the client’s specific issues, which may include using healing tools like reflexology, aromatherapy, heat, physical exercises, vision exercises, foam roller, balance ball, and tennis balls. I am also experienced and trained in working with women in all stages of pregnancy.
Alex Sousa Bio
I have been a massage therapist for over nineteen years, and I am certified practitioner through the California Massage Therapy Council.
I am originally from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. My passion for massage therapy began at the age of 16 due to my involvement in Judo.
Many years later, I became a third degree black belt in Judo, and now have also been practicing Capoeira Angola for ten years.
My goal as a practitioner is to relieve pain, decrease inflammation, relax the nervous system, and increase mobility, circulation, and breathing.
I believe that deep breathing is the key to recovery from illness and injury. After many years of practicing I have developed my own techniques.
I tailor each massage to the individual client and incorporate the use of different healing tools as needed, including heat,
ice, arnica and other natural balms, reflexology, aromatherapy, body movement, eye exercises, and breathing exercises.
I have many years of experience with body work and sports massage.
I understand special geriatric needs and have experience with patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease
and other dementia disorders, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis.